In a panel discussion with representatives Lloyd Russell-Moyle (MP, Brighton Kemptown) and Iain Baird (EPIC) speaking alongside Carly Heath (Bristol NTE Advisor) and DJ/Producer Dominic Butler (Stanton Warriors), the NTIA will debate the necessity of the campaign to aid the sectors recovery from pandemic closures.
NTIA CEO Michael Kill said: “It's the right time for us to establish NTE Advisors in every major city across the UK, with Brighton being one of the key contributors to our sector.
“It needs to consider the benefits and key work a NTE representative would be able to achieve, given the amazing examples set by Sacha Lord (Manchester) & Carly Heath (Bristol) as respective NTE Advisors. We are seeing the population of these roles grow internationally day by day.
“Major Cities across the world are establishing nightlife offices, commissions and ambassadors to embrace recovery and work towards a sustainable, safe night time economy.
Cultural tapestry
“The UK is held in such high regard for its cultural tapestry, from festivals to clubs, and deserves the commitment from regional politicians to lay the foundation for a successful future.”
Recent research by the NTIA suggested the UK night-time economy was worth £112.8bn in 2019, amounting to 5.1% of GDP and 1.95m jobs, but the prolonged closures and restrictions on trade during the pandemic ravaged the sector, with nearly 90,000 jobs lost since then and almost a third of nightclubs no longer trading.
Furthermore, many night-life venues have been left grappling with debts amounting to three years’ worth of trading profits, but the NTIA stated the solution to securing the sectors recovery was to have representation reporting to local or combined authorities, spotlighting regional issues and championing support for the industry.
After successfully working with local and combine authorities in establishing NTE Advisor roles in both Manchester and Bristol, the NTIA has launched a campaign to establish more positions so all urban nightlife hubs in the UK have a representative.
Nightlife Advisor Greater Manchester Sacha Lord said: "The Night-Time Economy and hospitality industry is fundamental to the recovery of cities up and down the country, particularly within this post pandemic environment.
“The role of the Night-Time Economy advisor plays a huge part in spotlighting regional issues, championing and supporting an industry which has been at the sharpest end of the pandemic.
Positive interventions
“This industry is bigger than the Automotive, Beauty and Fashion industries and has the breadth and scope to impact investment, culture and communities. It's vitally important it has its own voice and is represented regionally and within major cities across the UK.”
Leaving the pandemic behind, NTE advisors could play a vital role in safeguarding and public safety as well as representing the sector.
Bristol Night-Time Economy advisor Carly Heath said: “In my time as night-time economy advisor in Bristol I have led on implementing a number of positive public health and safety interventions in the city’s night-time economy, including on drink spiking, which has been of particular interest lately.
“My role enables the Council to take a coordinated city-wide approach to issues that arise and provide a quick and nimble response across the local authorities, from local council, police, NHS and care services and the universities, and connect these to action within the local industry and night-time audiences.
“The Night-time Economy can often be seen as a problem in policy making circles, issues such as crime, antisocial behaviour, drug and alcohol consumption and noise complaints are a big part of what any city council will deal with.
“With a dedicated officer to advise on solutions around these issues, and to act as a conduit between the local authority and industry, the night-time economy can start to be part of the solution in maintaining a safe and active night-time community – and the sector’s huge contribution can be better accounted for in policy decisions.”